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Catfish typically prefer to be in groups of three or more. However, larger species can be kept individually. Some species of catfish are useful in keeping the aquarium clean and free from algae. As omnivores, catfish eat both plant and animal matter, including prepared foods, small live foods and certain vegetables. If you must handle your catfish be aware that they have stiff, sharp spines on their fins that can inflict painful wounds.

CompatibilityPeaceful and schooling with fish of the same size, but will eat any fish it can fit into their mouth.

HabitatColumbia: Moderately decorated with rocks, live plants and driftwood.

BreedingThe adult female is larger than the adult male.

Additional CommentsThe Pictus Catfish has very sharp pectoral and dorsal spine that can cause painful injures if not handled properly. Great care should be taken when netting these fish as they tend to get caught up in the net's mesh.

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Pictus Catfish
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5
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47

Excellent Overall Cat With Some Caveats
The Pictus Cat is a great catfish to add with just about any other fish, including aggressive Cichlids. The Pictus has the tiny little poisonous barbs which other fish in the tank will quickly and painfully learn to respect. I've had Pictus Cats together with a pair of Oscars and they do just fine.
They are also a long-lived and durable species that is pretty easy to care for once they're in the tank.
Now for the BIG warnings. As with all barbed fishes, you DO NOT want to use a normal fish net with a Pictus Cat. They will become ensnared in the mesh and getting them out will not only be uncomfortable for you, but it will more than likely kill the fish. I watched a PetSmart employee unfortunately make this rookie mistake.
To remove a barbed cat, you always use either a plastic tray or a plastic baggie to capture them with.
Pictus Cats will swim around a bit, especially during feeding time, but really do prefer the bottom of the tank. They also will seek out the shade from any decorations, lounging peacefully in a castle or rock arch.
Their distinctive black spots will become less prominent as they grow larger, but their long, elegant whiskers are a really neat feature...
November 18, 2014

I have had two one lived for 1 year and one lived for 5 days so what do you think?
June 20, 2014

Pictus feeding
Our Pictus is awesome. Definitely do not use a net, we had that problem during Sandy Storm and had to cut the net to release, he's fine though, very healthy.
This fish LOVES Omega Tubifex freeze dried worms, goes crazy, and occasionally a few very small touches of fresh bloody roast beef.
February 21, 2014

Amazing
These guys are awesome they are active and fun when you feed them they eat like a lawn mower they swim back and forth feasting on flakes these guys aren't to high maintenance i keep mine with kenyi cichlids and they rock believe it or not i have mine in a 10 gallon and there fine if you want them to be active dont give them to many caves and stuff then they swim around a lot
February 2, 2014